French Polynesia’s 50 Shades of Blue

While, E L James’ erotic book, 50 Shades of Grey is a runaway best seller, the Islands of Tahiti are the place to be if you’re looking for “50 shades of blue,” extraordinary beauty, sensuality, and romance. FYI – there are 118 islands, some are inhabited and others not, along with atolls and motus (islets).

I’m in the midst of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms – craving and counting down the days until I return to French Polynesia. It’s an addiction that can’t be avoided once you’ve been there – the sirens beckon you back. This spring, I hope to cruise onboard the Aranui 3, a cargo/passenger vessel that sails to the Marquesas and other remote islands. I’m told by my friend, Bill Goodwin, an award-winning journalist and author of Frommer’s Tahiti & French Polynesia, that cruising on the Aranui 3 is the adventure of a lifetime. Goodwin’s guidebook is packed with travel tips for French Polynesia – it’s the bible. He’s the guru and has been there 16 times!

Fifty shades of blue below.

Breathtaking blues surround the lush exotic islands ranging in every shade of blue imaginable; from delicious aqua, azure, lapis and teal to deep indigo, cobalt and cerulean blue. It’s nature’s palette at play. Intense turquoise water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom of the sea – it’s like having your own personal aquarium without even going snorkeling.

It was always thrilling and I could feel my adrenalin kick up a notch when my Air Tahiti plane came in for a landing on yet another seductive island. We’d fly in low on our approach over gorgeous lagoons and atolls. I loved seeing the Pacific’s “50 shades of blue” every time I flew. Atolls with concentric rings of turquoise and teal that blended into cobalt on the outer edges where the water is the deepest reminded me of well rendered watercolors. Through my tiny window, I caught glimpses of jagged tapered peaks like projectiles piercing the sky and layers of lush emerald green and chartreuse jungle. This sneak peak provided delightful eye candy and was a preview of more beauty to come.

Moreea — the magical island.

Each of Tahiti’s islands has a distinct personality and vibe. Bora Bora – The Pearl of the Pacific is the jet setters and celebrities playground, Taha’a – The sparsely populated Vanilla Island, Huahine – The laid back Garden of Eden Island frozen in time, Raiatea – The Sacred Island, and Moreea – The Magical Island that’s heaven on earth with spectacular scenery and lush velvety mountains and Tikehau – The Pink Sands Island that’s famous for being the atoll with the most fish in French Polynesia.

Air Tahiti Nui ready for boarding.

My “50 shades of blue” adventure began the moment I boarded Air Tahiti Nui’s Airbus A340 from LAX. The seat cushions were upholstered in alternating shades of cerulean blue and turquoise that compliments the island’s surrounding sea.

After the crew’s warm welcome, I was given a Tiare Tahiti flower – a member of the gardenia family that only grows in French Polynesia. Some passengers tucked the blossom behind one ear; I chose to hold onto mine to enjoy its intoxicating scent. During our flight, the crew changed into more comfortable Purotus (traditional Tahitian dresses) in colorful tropical prints for meal service.

Air Tahiti Nui’s warm welcome.

It was surprising to discover that Tahiti is a lot closer than you’d ever think. It was a breeze – only an 8 hour flight from LAX. It’s an easy flight especially if you do what I did – fly in a day early, check into La Quinta Inns & Suites LAX Airport, get a good night’s sleep so you’ll be refreshed when you arrive in your Polynesian Paradise the next day.

So, pack a bag, call the friendly folks at Tahiti Tourism Office – they are a terrific resource for free info to help plan your trip. Now go and see how many shades of blue you can count in French Polynesia.